Men's Football Blog | July 2011

Bronco Mendenhall announced during the live State of the Program show on BYUtv that he has signed a three-year contract extension. Here is what BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe had to say about extending Mendenhall's deal.

“Bronco is an incredible leader and one of the best coaches in the country," said BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe. "He is committed to the program and we are committed to him as the leader of our football team. Bronco is loyal to this team and the university and does things the right way, on and off the field. We are excited for the future as we begin our journey as an independent.”

In six seasons as BYU's head coach, Mendenhall has a 56-21 record (.727) and has led the Cougars to six-straight bowl appearances. BYU is 4-2 in bowl games under Mendenhall, including a 52-24 victory over UTEP in the New Mexico Bowl last season.

During the first print breakout session at the 2011 BYU football media day, BYU Athletic Communications had a few minutes to sit down and talk with senior offensive lineman Matt Reynolds. Reynolds has been part of the BYU program for four years and is intrigued by the changes that independence is bringing to the program.

"I am really looking forward to the season because I want to find out what is different about being an independent," Reynolds said. "We have talked about what we think will be different but I'm not sure how it will actually feel to not be a a part of a conference. I have been here a long time and it will be fun to see how the program changes over the course of the season."

Reynolds participated in the Mountain West Conference media day before the 2010 season. At that media day, Reynolds and former Cougar Andrew Rich were the only two BYU athletes in attendance.

"Its nice to have a media day in Provo so we can bring in more players to interact with the media," Reynolds said. "This year we have a wide variety of players and I think that gives the public a more well-rounded focus of how the team is feeling heading into the season. It's also nice to have all the focus on BYU and not on a conference or any other team."

The 2011 season features BCS conference opponents from several conferences. The Cougars open up playing at Mississippi followed by a game at Texas.

"I am just looking forward to the Ole Miss game right now," Reynolds said. "It's a big game to star the season ands it's a tough place to play. It will be a good test for our team. I am completely focused on that game right now but am looking forward to the entire season."

Jarom Jordan or BYUtv hsa conducted live chats with several athletes, coaches and legends during Media Day. The chats can be viewed live online at BYUtv.org. Here is a clip from Jarom's interview with Ty Detmer, BYU's Heisman Trophy winner.

Fresh off of his live web chat with BYUtv, we asked Jameson Frazier, senior linebacker from Draper, Utah, how he thought Media Day was going so far.

"Media Day is big time. We're moving in to independence so we get a lot more exposure and we're taking full advantage of it. I think it's great."

Becoming independent makes for an exciting senior year, but what Frazier is looking forward to most is just the opportunity to play with his teammates.

"I'm looking forward to just playing with my guys for one last season. I love those guys and it's going to be a really fun season and I'm excited to see what we can do. We really came together at the end of last season and it was the most fun I've had playing football so I'm excited to start that up again."

When asked what game he is most looking forward to this season, he replied with the first.

"It's hard to think about much else right now besides Ole Miss. When you're playing and when you have to play teams like that you have to be focused completely and wholly on them or else you're going to get run over."

Defensive back Corby Eason is looking forward to BYU's first season as an independent. The stronger schedule, with games throughout the country, features teams from several BCS conferences. Eason believes the team is ready to embark on independence and perform on the national stage.

"Our mindset as a team is a little bit different without a conference championship to play for," Eason said. "We have to focus on this season on a game-to-game basis. We have a chance to play some great teams from the SEC and the Big 12 and it will give us a chance to prove ourselves against some of the top teams in the nation."

After going 0-2 against Utah and Utah State in 2010, Eason is eager to take on the in-state rivals to prove that BYU is the best team in the state. He is also hoping to perform well in front of some friends and family in Mississippi.

"I am looking forward to every game but Utah and Utah State are very important to me," Eason said. "Those two games we lost last season really hurt me more than any other game. We want to be the best team in the state every year. I'm also looking forward to the game at Ole Miss because I have a lot of family in Georgia, which is about six hours from the Ole Miss campus. It will be nice to play in front of some friends and family."

Head coach Bronco Mendenhall will resume the post of defensive coordinator in 2011. Eason enjoys the different attitude Mendenhall gives to the defensive side of the ball.

"We know that Coach (Mendenhall) will get the most out of us in every practice," Eason says. "He makes us give every ounce of energy we have and I love the effort he makes us give everyday. We have a lot of fun with him as the defensive coach and every practice we work hard but still have a good time."

Eason will play in the defensive backfield and on special teams for the Cougars this fall.

BYU Athletics caught up with senior running back Bryan Kariya during his first media day experience.

"This is cool because it gives us the opportunity to get all these things out and be able to focus on football stuff after this," Kariya said. "It's good to be able to talk to the media and let our fans know what we're doing and then be able to focus on football and take care of business at the right time."

Media day not only has the media and fans excited about football season, but also the players. Kariya joined Jake Heaps, Matt Reynolds, JJ Di Luigi and many other players in expressing excitement for fall camp.

"It kind of I think shows a transition from the summer really heading into season," Kariya said. "It really gets me excited to get to fall camp and get those things going."

Fall camp will give Kariya and his teammates a chance to see new things.

"I think it's going to be really cool to see how our special teams are going to turn out this year," Kariya said. "There has been a huge emphasis on that in the offseason. With all the new coaching staff, it's going to be this coaching staff's first fall camp together so that'll be something to look forward to."

Kariya said there isn't one team he's most looking forward to; he's excited for the entire schedule.

"We have an awesome schedule and I'm glad to be here for my senior season in independence," Kariya said.